Soludo Prohibits After-School Classes in Anambra

The Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo has adopted the United Nations (UN) stipulations for schools to end daily academic activities by 2.30 pm.

The notice of the adoption was contained in a press statement issued by the Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh on Monday in Awka.

According to her, the adoption was in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s desire for school children to have adequate rest and interaction with their parents before commencing the next day’s activities.

She called on all school Heads in the State to ensure the closure of all daily academic activities by 2.30 pm, to give room for the children to be at home by 3 pm.

The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor had expressed worry over long periods pupils spend in school, describing the practice as unhealthy to both the pupils and their parents.

The prelate who blamed teachers for the ugly development, lamented that the current education system makes it almost impossible for pupils to spend quality time with their parents as teachers engaged the pupils in lessons from 7 am to 6 pm.

 He urged the government to moderate the school’s academic and extracurricular activities to enable pupils to balance their studies with home training and other engagements.